The BC Sports Participation Program was born out of the Bi-lateral Funding Program between the Government of Canada and the Governments of the Provinces and Territories. The agreements cover the period 2005-2006 to 2007-2008. The focus of the bi-lateral agreements is to increase participation in sport.

The majority of the delivery agents across Canada have been schools, communities, Provincial Sport Organizations and clubs. The federal and provincial / territorial governments have committed to increasing physical activity by 10% within this decade. The Bi-lateral Agreements are a financial commitment from the governments to ensure that this happens. BC Hockey has become a part of the BC Sports Participation Program in three ways

1. “LACE ‘EM UP” is a new and exciting hockey program developed by BC Hockey designed to encourage registration in local minor hockey associations by focusing on the new or first-time participant. These participants will be exposed to the game in a non-threatening and enjoyable environment. The focus will be on children in the six to twelve year age span who have little or no experience in hockey. Their experience in the “LACE ‘EM UP” program will include both on and off ice activities designed to introduce the fundamental individual skills of the game along with the benefits of being part of a team.
2. BC Hockey in Our Schools Program  is a Hockey, Physical Education Program for students in grades K to 12 that demonstrates a partnership with BC Hockey, the school district, the school and the community.
3. Pond to Podium Project – by operating in cooperation with Figure Skating, Ringette and Speed Skating we are developing a general message of being active at the arena /on-ice plus learn to skate.